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Peace
Wednesday I spent with my son Dwight announcing his candidacy to represent California District 36 in the U.S. House of Representatives. As exciting as that was driving from sunrise in Blythe, CA across one of the largest districts in the U.S. to Beaumont CA at sunset stopping at seven cities, it was a day filled with terror in my hometown of San Bernardino.
My childhood was three short miles away from this tragedy that was the largest terrorist attack in the U.S since September 11,2001; what we refer to simply as 9/11. And it was not in some far away place, but in our own backyard. This is not the way we want our towns across America remembered. It is not the way I want the town of my birth and youth remembered. I enjoyed a peaceful life here long ago.
How can I talk about peace now when there is terror across not only the world, but in our backyard? It points out the need we have for a "voice of reason in Congress". A voice experienced as a US Marine intelligence officer, Arabic and Spanish linguist. These were the comments expressed that day in December 2015.
That day, 14 people died and 22 were injured, some very seriously. In their lives and the lives of their friends and families, peace was interrupted. Lives were cut short by the same violence they fled in their native lands to come to America. One survived warfare in his native Eritrea. Another fled terrorism in Iraq. Another said, “This is the best place to be in the world.” He was grateful he had the chance to be here and enjoy the freedoms and opportunities this country offers.
So where do we find solace, peace? It is in the Bible, the word of God. “Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20,21.
And Jesus said the following: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:6,7
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world bids do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27
Accept this Jesus, the Son of God and live in peace.
My childhood was three short miles away from this tragedy that was the largest terrorist attack in the U.S since September 11,2001; what we refer to simply as 9/11. And it was not in some far away place, but in our own backyard. This is not the way we want our towns across America remembered. It is not the way I want the town of my birth and youth remembered. I enjoyed a peaceful life here long ago.
How can I talk about peace now when there is terror across not only the world, but in our backyard? It points out the need we have for a "voice of reason in Congress". A voice experienced as a US Marine intelligence officer, Arabic and Spanish linguist. These were the comments expressed that day in December 2015.
That day, 14 people died and 22 were injured, some very seriously. In their lives and the lives of their friends and families, peace was interrupted. Lives were cut short by the same violence they fled in their native lands to come to America. One survived warfare in his native Eritrea. Another fled terrorism in Iraq. Another said, “This is the best place to be in the world.” He was grateful he had the chance to be here and enjoy the freedoms and opportunities this country offers.
So where do we find solace, peace? It is in the Bible, the word of God. “Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.” Hebrews 13:20,21.
And Jesus said the following: “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.” John 14:6,7
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world bids do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” John 14:27
Accept this Jesus, the Son of God and live in peace.
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Reflection
Thanksgiving is a time for reflection. A year ago I reported the following, “What if when you shower or bathe or brush your teeth you walked to a stream or carried water from a distant well? And what about cooking?
That’s what I found at an orphanage in West Timor, Indonesia last month. Dear friends of ours were given babies in 2001 so they started an orphanage. They now operate 12 of them throughout Indonesia. The Orphanage in Atambua, West Timor has a hand dug well that is dry due to the lack of rain this season. Hand dug wells are common in West Timor but they need a bore hole and capacity not only dependent on rain.”
You can find out more about this orphanage on the Indonesia tab. We thought a drilling machine would need to be sent by barge to the island. NOW Good News! They found a company that has the equipment in the country and will dig the well and guarantee water. It is always a concern that they will indeed find water when they dig the bore hole.
Money was sent for the deposit to start drilling and the balance will be provided upon completion. This is very good news for the children who have been bathing in a nearby river and they purchase water that is delivered by a truck.
A BIG THANK YOU for all who gave for this important well project. Gracious and generous are the people who support Reaching People far from God. "Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor." Proverbs 22:9 ESV This year two wells were provided for two orphanages in Indonesia. You provide this kind of support for partner ministries that effectively share the Gospel in multiple ways that are meaningful to their countrymen. Several more wells are needed at Mercy Indonesia orphanages.
As we reflect on the past year, we are thankful. Thankful that with your help a difference is being made in the lives of children at two Mercy Indonesia orphanages this year.
As you reflect on the past year and consider how you can reach out to help others, why not consider making a contribution to help people like the children in these orphanages? Simply use the donate button on this site.
Thanksgiving is a time for reflection. A year ago I reported the following, “What if when you shower or bathe or brush your teeth you walked to a stream or carried water from a distant well? And what about cooking?
That’s what I found at an orphanage in West Timor, Indonesia last month. Dear friends of ours were given babies in 2001 so they started an orphanage. They now operate 12 of them throughout Indonesia. The Orphanage in Atambua, West Timor has a hand dug well that is dry due to the lack of rain this season. Hand dug wells are common in West Timor but they need a bore hole and capacity not only dependent on rain.”
You can find out more about this orphanage on the Indonesia tab. We thought a drilling machine would need to be sent by barge to the island. NOW Good News! They found a company that has the equipment in the country and will dig the well and guarantee water. It is always a concern that they will indeed find water when they dig the bore hole.
Money was sent for the deposit to start drilling and the balance will be provided upon completion. This is very good news for the children who have been bathing in a nearby river and they purchase water that is delivered by a truck.
A BIG THANK YOU for all who gave for this important well project. Gracious and generous are the people who support Reaching People far from God. "Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor." Proverbs 22:9 ESV This year two wells were provided for two orphanages in Indonesia. You provide this kind of support for partner ministries that effectively share the Gospel in multiple ways that are meaningful to their countrymen. Several more wells are needed at Mercy Indonesia orphanages.
As we reflect on the past year, we are thankful. Thankful that with your help a difference is being made in the lives of children at two Mercy Indonesia orphanages this year.
As you reflect on the past year and consider how you can reach out to help others, why not consider making a contribution to help people like the children in these orphanages? Simply use the donate button on this site.
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Leadership
My good friend, Wayne Pederson, took the reins as President of the World Radio Missionary Fellowship, Inc., commonly known over the past 30 years as HCJB World Radio, then HCJB Global and more recently as Reach Beyond. He has assembled a good leadership team and continues to be the visionary and leader/manager that the ministry needs today.
Since his first week as President and each following week he sends a “Lessons for Leaders” to his team. It is usually good, very good. He is a voracious reader and shares the best for his staff. I have encouraged him to collect these for his book someday.
Here is the latest from a leader, God’s man, to the future leaders of Reach Beyond. He shares insight that is good for all of us, not just leaders.
“I have to admit that I’m not good about handling feedback. When criticism comes, I tend to be defensive rather than reflective.
Most of us as leaders have blindspots: things in our lives that others see but are hesitant to point out…because we’re the leader.
Today, a friend, the top leader of a large ministry quoted her grandma who said: 'The problem with our weaknesses is that we carry them on our behinds. We can’t see them but everybody else can.'
Paul, the leader of the first century church said this: ‘I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment.’
To me that means being open to input. That means being so approachable, others will feel comfortable helping you be better.
It means having people close enough to you that have earned the right to receive honest feedback.
It means having the important trait of humility that’s never afraid to look in the mirror and say: What’s the one thing I’m doing that needs to change?
Let the Holy Spirit convict and guide you in that process.”
Perhaps Proverbs 3:12 is applicable about accepting input from others. “My son, do not despise the LORD’S discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.”
Since his first week as President and each following week he sends a “Lessons for Leaders” to his team. It is usually good, very good. He is a voracious reader and shares the best for his staff. I have encouraged him to collect these for his book someday.
Here is the latest from a leader, God’s man, to the future leaders of Reach Beyond. He shares insight that is good for all of us, not just leaders.
“I have to admit that I’m not good about handling feedback. When criticism comes, I tend to be defensive rather than reflective.
Most of us as leaders have blindspots: things in our lives that others see but are hesitant to point out…because we’re the leader.
Today, a friend, the top leader of a large ministry quoted her grandma who said: 'The problem with our weaknesses is that we carry them on our behinds. We can’t see them but everybody else can.'
Paul, the leader of the first century church said this: ‘I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment.’
To me that means being open to input. That means being so approachable, others will feel comfortable helping you be better.
It means having people close enough to you that have earned the right to receive honest feedback.
It means having the important trait of humility that’s never afraid to look in the mirror and say: What’s the one thing I’m doing that needs to change?
Let the Holy Spirit convict and guide you in that process.”
Perhaps Proverbs 3:12 is applicable about accepting input from others. “My son, do not despise the LORD’S discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.”
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Time
We know we all have the same number of minutes in an hour - and hours in a day - and days in a week - and weeks in a month - and months in a year to manage. In this window no matter how big or how small, we are alike in this regard. How we use the time provided to us is our individual, family or group choice.
The 4th Earl of Chesterfield (1694-1773) was a selfish, calculating and contemptuous man, who was not naturally generous, and practiced dissimulation ’til it became part of his nature; despite brilliant talents and admirable training, the life of Chesterfield cannot be pronounced a success.
Yet for years I admired what he said about time; “Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination: never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.”
Actually we hear this often perhaps being thought of a sluggard if we put things off for another day. In a way it was my mantra in the years of having a young family, building a business and remaining active in church and community activities. And as I assailed the seasons of life planning became more important in the managing of my time. I found that without proper planning it is not possible to finish things on time or within budgets.
Lewis Carroll (1832-1898) said, “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.” I have quoted this many times when teaching project planning, budgeting, and time management.
Historically much has been said about time. Even Mother Teresa checked in with a comment, “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”
In the Bible, the book of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Solomon, the wisest man in the world said, There is a time . . . for every activity under heaven. Walvoord and Zuk in The Bible Knowledge Commentary state by the word “activity” Solomon meant people’s deliberate, willful acts. “The Hebrew word for ‘activity,’ always used of people, literally means “desire,” and then by metonymy “what one desires”.
We have returned from a wonderful ‘vacation’. Perhaps the most fun in more than 25 years or so. We have not been very focused on vacations over these ministry years even though the miles traveling globally have added up considerably.
No meetings on this two week vacation. Whew!
GEOCACHING is a hobby of ours and we visited 13 states and Canada and Washington DC. We drove 2,000 miles and found and logged 107 caches with at least six in each location we visited. Sharon did a great job planning this entire trip. We still need to cache in Alaska. When do we go there? Hmmmm?
We drove past New York City on 9/11 and decided to avoid the crowds there for the celebration. We finished the trip in Washington DC and walked some six miles or so finding caches there. The place was alive with all of the preparations for the visit of Pope Francis the next day.
The trip was via the Greenbelt (green metro) trip to downtown. A highlight was to meet a longtime friend Rick Mastroianni, Library Manager at the incredible NEWSEUM. We have not seen him for 22 years. He has been there 18 years now and he was at the MUSEUM for the day to coordinate a new display from where they are developed at his location in Laurel MD. It was neat to meet up with him there. I could spend one day perhaps two at just that one place in all of DC.
And it was fun to see all the preparation for the Pope's visit as we walked Constitution Avenue to find the caches we targeted. Then the evening return drive to NJ and over to Philly for the return flight home from Philadelphia were preparations were underway for the Pope's visit the weekend after we left. All the prep for the Pope was fascinating to witness indeed.
So today it is back to ministry and catching up on a short but fun two weeks away on ‘vacation’. And back to managing our time to be efficient and stay on top of assignments, self imposed or not. As we manage our time sometimes it's good to plan to put some things off until tomorrow. Make that a part of your planning, I do.
The 4th Earl of Chesterfield (1694-1773) was a selfish, calculating and contemptuous man, who was not naturally generous, and practiced dissimulation ’til it became part of his nature; despite brilliant talents and admirable training, the life of Chesterfield cannot be pronounced a success.
Yet for years I admired what he said about time; “Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination: never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.”
Actually we hear this often perhaps being thought of a sluggard if we put things off for another day. In a way it was my mantra in the years of having a young family, building a business and remaining active in church and community activities. And as I assailed the seasons of life planning became more important in the managing of my time. I found that without proper planning it is not possible to finish things on time or within budgets.
Lewis Carroll (1832-1898) said, “If you don’t know where you are going, any road will get you there.” I have quoted this many times when teaching project planning, budgeting, and time management.
Historically much has been said about time. Even Mother Teresa checked in with a comment, “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”
In the Bible, the book of Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 Solomon, the wisest man in the world said, There is a time . . . for every activity under heaven. Walvoord and Zuk in The Bible Knowledge Commentary state by the word “activity” Solomon meant people’s deliberate, willful acts. “The Hebrew word for ‘activity,’ always used of people, literally means “desire,” and then by metonymy “what one desires”.
We have returned from a wonderful ‘vacation’. Perhaps the most fun in more than 25 years or so. We have not been very focused on vacations over these ministry years even though the miles traveling globally have added up considerably.
No meetings on this two week vacation. Whew!
GEOCACHING is a hobby of ours and we visited 13 states and Canada and Washington DC. We drove 2,000 miles and found and logged 107 caches with at least six in each location we visited. Sharon did a great job planning this entire trip. We still need to cache in Alaska. When do we go there? Hmmmm?
We drove past New York City on 9/11 and decided to avoid the crowds there for the celebration. We finished the trip in Washington DC and walked some six miles or so finding caches there. The place was alive with all of the preparations for the visit of Pope Francis the next day.
The trip was via the Greenbelt (green metro) trip to downtown. A highlight was to meet a longtime friend Rick Mastroianni, Library Manager at the incredible NEWSEUM. We have not seen him for 22 years. He has been there 18 years now and he was at the MUSEUM for the day to coordinate a new display from where they are developed at his location in Laurel MD. It was neat to meet up with him there. I could spend one day perhaps two at just that one place in all of DC.
And it was fun to see all the preparation for the Pope's visit as we walked Constitution Avenue to find the caches we targeted. Then the evening return drive to NJ and over to Philly for the return flight home from Philadelphia were preparations were underway for the Pope's visit the weekend after we left. All the prep for the Pope was fascinating to witness indeed.
So today it is back to ministry and catching up on a short but fun two weeks away on ‘vacation’. And back to managing our time to be efficient and stay on top of assignments, self imposed or not. As we manage our time sometimes it's good to plan to put some things off until tomorrow. Make that a part of your planning, I do.
- Published on
Unlikely Heroes
Having just returned from Indonesia where an assignment led me to dMaker; I obtained the new book by the founder, Paulus Wiratno entitled The Lepers’ Lessons. dMaker has three branches of ministry; Mercy Indonesia, Radio Dian Mandiri and a church planting school. We support the Mercy Indonesia operated orphanages and the school. Paulus and I met in Singapore in 2006 and became instant friends. In the book he shares his life story and ministry passion and most importantly includes five questions, two perspectives and the pursuit of purpose for us to consider. It is excellent for readers of all ages. Young career seekers, mid career workers, retirees and seniors considering how they should spend their time; their experiences; and the resources accumulated over the years.
Of all ages sometimes we are doing our best and feel like we are not gaining ground like we desire. If our planning and execution of those plans seem to be falling short, this book is for us. It has helped me regain focus for the ministry God called me to do.
Paulus brings focus to to the questions we should be asking ourselves from an ancient story. “Four people had no status, no resources, and only a faint ray of hope that something good could happen to them, but they found the courage to take a step into the dark, the desert, and into a destiny they never dreamed possible.”
It is the story documented in 2 Kings chapter 7 of the Bible that briefly records the condition about four lepers; outcasts from society. From this simple story Paulus brilliantly crafts five questions they could have considered and we certainly should even today. They are; 1) Why am I still alive? 2) Why do I do what I do? 3) Why do I have what I have?, 4) Who is going with me? and 5) What am I carrying on the journey?
We all need to be aware of why we are here and listen closely to the leading of God who desires to guide our paths. This incredible story of four men who had nothing to gain, got it all, and gave it all away, because it was the right thing to do. Are we willing to do the same? Not covet, but give it all away for the benefit of all those around us in times of their great need? In short, be an unlikely hero. If you do, you’ll be glad you did!
David
The Lepers’ Lessons Baxter Press, Friendswood, Texas
Of all ages sometimes we are doing our best and feel like we are not gaining ground like we desire. If our planning and execution of those plans seem to be falling short, this book is for us. It has helped me regain focus for the ministry God called me to do.
Paulus brings focus to to the questions we should be asking ourselves from an ancient story. “Four people had no status, no resources, and only a faint ray of hope that something good could happen to them, but they found the courage to take a step into the dark, the desert, and into a destiny they never dreamed possible.”
It is the story documented in 2 Kings chapter 7 of the Bible that briefly records the condition about four lepers; outcasts from society. From this simple story Paulus brilliantly crafts five questions they could have considered and we certainly should even today. They are; 1) Why am I still alive? 2) Why do I do what I do? 3) Why do I have what I have?, 4) Who is going with me? and 5) What am I carrying on the journey?
We all need to be aware of why we are here and listen closely to the leading of God who desires to guide our paths. This incredible story of four men who had nothing to gain, got it all, and gave it all away, because it was the right thing to do. Are we willing to do the same? Not covet, but give it all away for the benefit of all those around us in times of their great need? In short, be an unlikely hero. If you do, you’ll be glad you did!
David
The Lepers’ Lessons Baxter Press, Friendswood, Texas
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Friendships
Sometimes we show love to a friend by saying an encouraging word.
As I write about friends a friend sent me a message about crutches:
“There is a time and place for crutches in our lives. When we have been injured and we need support to begin on the path to recovery there is no shame in using crutches. Crutches may fit the moment but In most cases they are to be temporary not permanent.
Some people get so used to some kind of daily support that it takes a good friend who comes along and takes away the crutches. With a word or an action the friend sends a clear message that it is time to walk without the crutches. Good friends don’t let crutches become permanent when they do not need to be.”
Jesus talked about friends and he started with a commandment that we love one another. Then He emphasized this by saying, “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another. John15:15-17
Another friend of mine is an ultra runner. He runs races of 100 miles. Sometimes a pacer runs with the runner to encourage them along the way. People ask him why he runs and he starts by quoting what King David said long ago, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14
People ask me why I serve as a crew chief for him. I do it because he is a friend. He is older than I am and I told him long ago as long as he wants to run I will help him. I will manage the crew and the pacers that support him. In a few days we will go to Death Valley in California for the second time in three years to run the BADWATER 135 mile ultramarathon from the lowest point in the USA to Whitney Portal, high in the mountains.
You might say we are a crutch, however we are a temporary support to a friend who needs us for a short while. And he has a ready answer when someone asks him why he does what he does. We all need a ready answer that is Biblically based when we are asked why we do what we do. He encourages his crew by sharing with us and everyone around him how he lives his life in context to praising God.
Do you do this? I have a favorite verse or two, do you? Why not find a verse or two today that will help you explain how and why you live the way you do.
As I write about friends a friend sent me a message about crutches:
“There is a time and place for crutches in our lives. When we have been injured and we need support to begin on the path to recovery there is no shame in using crutches. Crutches may fit the moment but In most cases they are to be temporary not permanent.
Some people get so used to some kind of daily support that it takes a good friend who comes along and takes away the crutches. With a word or an action the friend sends a clear message that it is time to walk without the crutches. Good friends don’t let crutches become permanent when they do not need to be.”
Jesus talked about friends and he started with a commandment that we love one another. Then He emphasized this by saying, “No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He may give you. These things I command you, that you love one another. John15:15-17
Another friend of mine is an ultra runner. He runs races of 100 miles. Sometimes a pacer runs with the runner to encourage them along the way. People ask him why he runs and he starts by quoting what King David said long ago, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm 139:14
People ask me why I serve as a crew chief for him. I do it because he is a friend. He is older than I am and I told him long ago as long as he wants to run I will help him. I will manage the crew and the pacers that support him. In a few days we will go to Death Valley in California for the second time in three years to run the BADWATER 135 mile ultramarathon from the lowest point in the USA to Whitney Portal, high in the mountains.
You might say we are a crutch, however we are a temporary support to a friend who needs us for a short while. And he has a ready answer when someone asks him why he does what he does. We all need a ready answer that is Biblically based when we are asked why we do what we do. He encourages his crew by sharing with us and everyone around him how he lives his life in context to praising God.
Do you do this? I have a favorite verse or two, do you? Why not find a verse or two today that will help you explain how and why you live the way you do.
- Published on
BIBLE STUDY; and note taking!
This week in our neighborhood we attended a weekly Bible study with friends. We are completing a study in the book of Psalms and as I prepared to lead the discussion I pulled out a Bible I used some thirty years ago to see notes from a previous study. Sure enough there were notes from a sermon 32 years ago.
Today it is less common to take notes in Bibles during sermons. Many churches project the text on a screen and fewer people even take Bibles to church. And many people use electronic devices to read the text during sermons. Note taking is becoming a discarded part of our church going experience.
So back to Psalm 51, our study for the week. King David with a broken spirit is appealing to God’s compassion and grace and His covenant love, admitting his “transgressions”, his sin. My notes served as a thorough outline and looks something like this:
And from The Bible Knowledge Commentary, by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuk, Victor Books, “The message of this psalm is that the vilest offender among God;s people can appeal to God for forgiveness, for moral restoration, and for the resumption of a joyful life of fellowship and service, if he comes with a broken spirit and bases his appeal on God’s compassion and grace”.
Finally, consider using your printed Bible and take notes. It will refresh you in future studies of God’s word. It did for me, just this past week.
Today it is less common to take notes in Bibles during sermons. Many churches project the text on a screen and fewer people even take Bibles to church. And many people use electronic devices to read the text during sermons. Note taking is becoming a discarded part of our church going experience.
So back to Psalm 51, our study for the week. King David with a broken spirit is appealing to God’s compassion and grace and His covenant love, admitting his “transgressions”, his sin. My notes served as a thorough outline and looks something like this:
- KNOW GOD, verses 1 and 2
- KNOW SIN, verses 2 and 3
- SIN AGAINST WHOM? verse 4
- KNOW POSITION, verses 5 and 6
- KNOW GOD’S METHODS, verses 7 - 9
- KNOW GOD’S POWER, verses 10 - 12
- KNOW YOUR PART, REPENT, verses 12 - 17
- KNOW RESTORED FELLOWSHIP, verses 18 and 19
And from The Bible Knowledge Commentary, by John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuk, Victor Books, “The message of this psalm is that the vilest offender among God;s people can appeal to God for forgiveness, for moral restoration, and for the resumption of a joyful life of fellowship and service, if he comes with a broken spirit and bases his appeal on God’s compassion and grace”.
Finally, consider using your printed Bible and take notes. It will refresh you in future studies of God’s word. It did for me, just this past week.
- Published on
This has been adopted from a sermon by Dr. David Jeremiah by Bruce Herwig
In Ephesians 6:16 we are told that the evil one, Satan, will use fiery darts to wound and discourage Christians so they will no longer be in the battle for mankind's eternal soul.
Here are twelve of some of the common fiery darts Satan uses against Christian. As you read them, ask God to help you identify if any of these fiery darts have wounded you:
1) Keep them busy with non-essentials so their time with God and their church and helping others will diminish or stop all together.
2) Tempt them to over spend and go into debt so they will become discouraged and their giving to their church and missions diminishes or stops.
3) Make them work long hours to maintain an empty lifestyle so they will be too tired to read God's word or hear God's leading in their life.
4) Discourage them from spending quality family time so when their homes disintegrate there is no refuge from work.
5) Over-stimulate their minds with TV, video games, movies and computers so when God speaks they cannot hear Him.
6) Fill their coffee table and night stand with newspapers, magazines and popular secular books so they have no time to read the Bible.
7) Flood their mailboxes and inboxes with sweepstakes and get-rich-quick schemes so they will keep chasing material things.
8) Put glamorous models on TV and Internet and magazine covers to keep them focused on outward appearances so they will become dissatisfied with themselves and their mates.
9) Make sure the couples are too exhausted for personal intimacy so they will be tempted to look else ware.
10) Emphasize Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny so they will be diverted from the real meanings of these holidays.
11) Involve them in good causes so they will not have time for eternal ones.
12) Make them self-sufficient and keep them busy working in their own strength so they will never know the joy of God's power working thru them.
Now rate your own life as to the effectiveness of these 12 fiery darts of Satan. Are you a walking wounded Christian?
However, we are also told in the same verse that the shield of faith will be able to quench these fiery darts before they can wound us. By faith in our Lord, time in the Word and prayer, you can begin to heal as you quench out these fiery darts. Remember, as long as Christians stay close to God, Satan has no power over them.
"In addition to all of this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the fiery darts of the evil one." Ephesians 6:16
Some translations use "flaming arrows" instead of "fiery darts". To me "flaming arrows" implies they were shot from a far. On the other hand, "fiery darts" implies up close and personal. I like that translation because Satan knows our weaknesses and uses the fiery darts to wounds us right at our weakest spots.
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GOOD NEWS; Always welcome!
NEPAL Last month I started this BLOG, “we just received a report from our dear partner in Nepal.” It was about the impact the Story of the Messiah is making. Days later the massive 7.8 earthquake in their area shocked the world. Now focus is on helping those in the greatest need; many, who lost everything. In many cases, family members too.
Yet, amongst the tragedy of such an upheaval, there is good news. Christians are reaching out and helping everywhere. What an opportunity to share the love of God in meaningful ways.
The photos we have received include earthquake damage, but also people using and benefiting from the well that we funded less than a year ago. Imagine walking a few feet in a village to get water instead of walking to a river or distant water source? The little church installed and maintains the well for the small village.
INDONESIA And our partner ministry, Mercy Indonesia shared photos of their using a professional video camera that we provided. It is the first part of the two camera video system we are providing. Pray that the final equipment can be delivered soon for their use in their conference hall where pastors, church leaders and students at the Bible school meet.
Ghana Now in our sixth year we continue to provide funding for the incredible ministry of Theovision International in Ghana, West Africa. Donors support Bible recordings, Village Bible Studies, fresh water wells, micro-enterprise funding and other special projects.
Good news is best from the Son of God. At the very start of the earthly ministry of Jesus; “Jesus went into Galilee and told the people the Good News from God. ‘the right time is now here. God’s kingdom is very near. Change your hearts and lives, and believe the Good News!’” Mark 1:15
Yet, amongst the tragedy of such an upheaval, there is good news. Christians are reaching out and helping everywhere. What an opportunity to share the love of God in meaningful ways.
The photos we have received include earthquake damage, but also people using and benefiting from the well that we funded less than a year ago. Imagine walking a few feet in a village to get water instead of walking to a river or distant water source? The little church installed and maintains the well for the small village.
INDONESIA And our partner ministry, Mercy Indonesia shared photos of their using a professional video camera that we provided. It is the first part of the two camera video system we are providing. Pray that the final equipment can be delivered soon for their use in their conference hall where pastors, church leaders and students at the Bible school meet.
Ghana Now in our sixth year we continue to provide funding for the incredible ministry of Theovision International in Ghana, West Africa. Donors support Bible recordings, Village Bible Studies, fresh water wells, micro-enterprise funding and other special projects.
Good news is best from the Son of God. At the very start of the earthly ministry of Jesus; “Jesus went into Galilee and told the people the Good News from God. ‘the right time is now here. God’s kingdom is very near. Change your hearts and lives, and believe the Good News!’” Mark 1:15
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We just received a report from our dear partner in Nepal. The LORD led us to meet him some years ago when we lived in India and Sharon and I made the cold December trip to Kathmandu and Pokhara to explore what God had in store for us to help believers in Nepal share their faith.
This is why we do what we do. We pray a lot, we listen to the LORD (this means waiting sometimes), He leads us, we follow and He blesses. There is not a better way then this to live a full life while following the LORD.
Here is the report, “We just recently signed a document with Digital Bible Society for our Nepali "Story of the Messiah"
to be available on digital media devices when DBS pack the resources for Nepali listeners.
The Facebook page for Story of the Messiah (http://facebook.com/jesukatha) has more likes, over 500 people liking it, and now even more people are listening online through web; its amazing that people are accessing the files for listening and downloading.”
More GOOD News from Pokhara
“After long time of prayer, Pokhara is going to have a Christian FM radio station and Reach Beyond is partnering with a ministry here in town that has an energetic young guy with a vision to run the station and we are very excited to see this come through. Soon, they will have stations and we will join with them as much as we can, and the Story of the Messiah is going to be there too. I am very hopeful that it will happen soon so the people could hear the story of the Messiah, our Lord and Savior.
Praise the Lord and thank you David for your prayers for us. Now you can pray for the young guy, Anil. He was sitting in a class I taught about radio broadcasting by Christians several years back.”
In the studios we designed and set up in Pokhara the Story of the Messiah was recorded and even now continues to make an impact on lives. The original story was written by the late Max Rondoni and adapted contextually for the Nepali audience by our partners. Each Christmas time we fund playing the series about Christmas on local radio stations. They seek responses and do the followup, providing answers to questions about Jesus. Many people sign up and participate in a series of Bible studies.
This is why we do what we do. We pray a lot, we listen to the LORD (this means waiting sometimes), He leads us, we follow and He blesses. There is not a better way then this to live a full life while following the LORD.
Here is the report, “We just recently signed a document with Digital Bible Society for our Nepali "Story of the Messiah"
to be available on digital media devices when DBS pack the resources for Nepali listeners.
The Facebook page for Story of the Messiah (http://facebook.com/jesukatha) has more likes, over 500 people liking it, and now even more people are listening online through web; its amazing that people are accessing the files for listening and downloading.”
More GOOD News from Pokhara
“After long time of prayer, Pokhara is going to have a Christian FM radio station and Reach Beyond is partnering with a ministry here in town that has an energetic young guy with a vision to run the station and we are very excited to see this come through. Soon, they will have stations and we will join with them as much as we can, and the Story of the Messiah is going to be there too. I am very hopeful that it will happen soon so the people could hear the story of the Messiah, our Lord and Savior.
Praise the Lord and thank you David for your prayers for us. Now you can pray for the young guy, Anil. He was sitting in a class I taught about radio broadcasting by Christians several years back.”
In the studios we designed and set up in Pokhara the Story of the Messiah was recorded and even now continues to make an impact on lives. The original story was written by the late Max Rondoni and adapted contextually for the Nepali audience by our partners. Each Christmas time we fund playing the series about Christmas on local radio stations. They seek responses and do the followup, providing answers to questions about Jesus. Many people sign up and participate in a series of Bible studies.
